Global Warming Prevention : Policies
Olympus emits greenhouse gases as a result of the use of energy in its business operations, and also from the use of CFC substitutes. One of our most important tasks is the suppression of greenhouse gas emissions to prevent global warming, which is becoming more serious. We are now energetically working on the prevention of global warming.
Global Warming Prevention Policies
Olympus products are distinguished by their precision and compact size. The amount of energy needed for our business activities is therefore relatively small. However, we are actively working to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in order to contribute to the prevention of global warming.
Our greenhouse gas emissions result primarily from the following three activities. We are taking steps to reduce emissions in all of these areas.
1. Energy use in business activities
We are implementing programs to reduce CO2 emissions resulting from energy use at our business sites. The indicators for these programs are the absolute levels of CO2 emissions, and CO2 emissions per unit of sales. In addition to day-to-day energy conservation activities, initiatives also include the replacement of equipment with more energy-efficient models, and the improvement of production methods. When constructing new buildings, we work from the design stage to implement systems that will reduce energy consumption by at least 30% compared with conventional buildings. We are also increasing our use of energy forms that produce less CO2. Initiatives in this area include fuel conversions from fuel oil to gas, and the utilization of natural energy resources.
2. Non-Energy greenhouse gases (HFC, PFC and SF6 Note1)use in production and repair operations
We have set targets based on CO2 equivalents for total emissions of non-energy greenhouse gases, such as HFC, PFC and SF6, and we are working to achieve these targets by reducing the amounts of these gases used and emitted, and by switching to alternative solvents with lower greenhouse effects. Product quality is repeatedly checked whenever an alternative solvent is introduced. Other measures include the use of waste gas treatment systems to break down greenhouse gases contained in emissions.
3. Energy use in logistics
The indicators for our efforts to reduce energy use during the transportation of our products are the absolute amounts of CO2 emitted, and energy-related CO2 emissions per unit of sales.
Transportation volumes are being reduced through the development of smaller, lighter products. Another approach is to improve transportation efficiency by increasing loading ratios and consolidating loads. We are also switching to transportation modes with lower CO2 emissions.
Note 1: These abbreviations stand for hydrofluorocarbon, perfluorocarbon and sulfur hexafluoride, respectively. All have been targeted for reduction under the Kyoto Protocol as greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
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